Heading to a Lexington pool or park? Driving a golf cart on streets is illegal
As more people head to Lexington parks and pools to beat summer heat, a warm-weather breed of traffic scofflaws are hitting the streets — golf cart drivers.
They’re breaking the law, Lexington police said.
Lexington prohibits driving golf carts on streets, said Hannah Sloan, a public information officer with the Lexington Police Department.
“The operation of a golf cart on the roadways, other than a designated crossing on or around a golf course is prohibited in Lexington. There are no ordinances that allow golf carts,” Sloan said.
Using golf carts to make short trips to pools and beaches has become popular in many resort and beach towns across the country. For example, Madison, Indiana, allows the use of golf carts on limited streets. Golf carts have also long been the go-to mode of transportation in large retirement communities.
The fairway staple started appearing on more Lexington streets five years ago.
Complaints about their use have largely centered in the Chevy Chase, Lansdowne and Lansdowne Merrick areas, which are home to various parks and private pools.
Those who have complained about their use on city streets say the electric-powered carts are too slow, slowing the traffic flow. Others have reported seeing kids under the age of 16 driving golf carts. State law prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from driving a golf cart, Lexington police have said.
Motorized vehicles are also not allowed on city sidewalks, according to the Lexington Police Department website about city rules on scooters, mopeds and other non-automobile motorized vehicles.
Lexington Police and city officials have long battled misconceptions about golf cart use on city streets.
A state law says a city can allow golf carts, if it has an ordinance allowing it. Lexington has no such ordinance, police said.
Sloan said the city investigates complaints about golf carts.
“If someone sees a golf cart on a roadway, they should call Lexington Police at (859) 258-3600 or in an emergency, 911,” Sloan said.
